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Panama and Croatia are set to clash in a crucial second-round group stage match at the World Cup. The Group L encounter will take place in Toronto, Canada.
Both teams are desperate for points after suffering defeats in their opening fixtures. Croatia fell 2-4 to England, twice equalizing in the first half but ultimately succumbing to the pressure from the Three Lions after the break. Panama, meanwhile, lost 0-1 to Ghana. The Central American side posed significant challenges for the Africans but conceded a late goal.
Croatia often starts slowly in major tournaments, having lost their opening World Cup matches in four of their six appearances. Zlatko Dalić's squad boasts a wealth of experience. The 40-year-old Luka Modrić is set to earn his 200th cap for the national team. Mateo Kovačić is expected to return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench against England.
Panama is still searching for their first World Cup point in their second appearance at the tournament. In their four matches played, the team has scored just two goals. However, Christiansen's side looked solid against Ghana, limiting their opponents' scoring opportunities.
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